These Low-Carb Cookbooks Make Forging a New Habit Easy (Yes, Really)

The low-carb movement might have been around for decades, but it's about to experience another major surge in popularity thanks to the high-fat, low-carb ketogenic diet, which some experts have dubbed "the number one diet in 2018."

Whether you plan to stick to all the keto diet rules or cherry-pick a few, there are a number of benefits of going low-carb. Osteopathic physician Joseph Mercola, DO, puts it simply: "In essence, the reason why low-carb diets work so well is because it helps you escape this non-fiber, carb-based metabolism that depends on insulin levels to drive blood sugar into cells and use carbs for fuel." According to the Mayo Clinic, low-carb diets are generally used for losing weight, but may have benefits beyond this, "such as reducing risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome."

Curious to know if you'd feel healthier on a low-carb diet? Navigating the lifestyle change can be challenging, so we've found 11 of the most comprehensive low-carb cookbooks to help you get started. From beginner cooking guides and comfort-food ideas to full meal planners, there's a book to coach you through every stage. Consider your breakfast, lunch, and dinner plans sorted.

Perfect for: Keto-diet rookies. This guide is a number one best seller on Amazon for a reason. It has everything you need to kick-start the diet, including 75 easy recipes, handy charts, and a 14-day meal plan.

Perfect for: Fans of Keto Karma, Suzanne Ryan's popular blog and YouTube channel. The foodie applies her personal experience with the keto diet to this inspiring cookbook that chronicles her personal weight loss journey and the recipes she swears by.

Perfect for: Low-carb dieters who have run out of meal ideas. This cookbook offers a long list of recipe suggestions, spanning one-dish meals when you're dining solo, snacks and desserts, and hearty dinners.

Perfect for: People who want to improve their diet but don't want to give up their comfort-food favorites. In this cookbook, Maria Emmerich uses clever substitutes to make each recipe a little healthier. Yes, cinnamon rolls and steak fries are on the menu.

Perfect for: Those who follow Jimmy Moore, leading low-carb diet blogger and podcast host. In this book, he joins forces with a nutritionist to suggest 150 keto-friendly recipes. There's also a ton of comprehensive material at the start of the book that explains the diet and potential benefits in depth.

Perfect for: Celiacs or those with gluten intolerance. Foodie Anna Vocino shares the recipes that helped her lose weight after being diagnosed with celiac disease, including classic meals and family favorites.

Perfect for: Those who want to be healthier this year but know they won't be able to stick to a diet without their favorite comfort foods. In this book, RD ennifer Koslo shares tips for stocking your pantry and creative ingredient substitutes, too.

Perfect for: First-time dieters who want guidance about how to tackle their meal plan, as well as the best recipes to make. Another book by Pamela Ellgen, this guide provides a ton of useful information to get started.